WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau School Board President Jim Bouché has been appointed to the WIAA Board of Control.
He says he’s honored by the appointment, which will challenge him to look at the big picture while setting the course for the future of athletics and arts competition in the state. “For all practical purposes, we are the Board of Education for athletics in the state of Wisconsin. It is a very important board that makes decisions for the student-athletes.”
That means looking at what’s good for the entire state, not just Wausau or Central Wisconsin. “That’s what I’m looking forward to, giving input into that area- what we can do for our student-athletes.
“I always [use] student-athletes because, in fact, you are a student first, then an athlete. Your academic comes first in everything. In fact, we are using that right now. Athletics comes to an end, our bodies don’t continue. So I always stress the student-athlete knowing that athletics is important to create that whole person who will be the leaders of tomorrow,”
He’s also excited to examine how emerging sports like lacrosse, boys volleyball, and flag football fit into the current WIAA offerings. “I’ve seen that process take place. It’s exciting to see lacrosse come on board. With [my] Native American background, I look at lacrosse as very important for the state of Wisconsin, where Ojibwe tribes would play continously.”
Bouché’s appointment gives Central Wisconsin two places on the 11-person board. Stratford’s Nathan Lehman serves as WIAA District 2 representative.
Six other members represent geographic regions. Three seats are reserved for at-large representatives. Bouché serves as the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Representative. His term will run through 2028.
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